‘Crust Baker’ Takes the Top Prize

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Shimi Kutner/COLlive

Over 500 foodies from around New York and the Tri-State Area came to Crown Heights Sunday to sample the latest and tastiest kosher dishes in the 3rd annual Kosher Food Crawl – Taste of Crown Heights.

Participants walked the streets of Crown Heights, getting a taste of a plethora of flavors from various local establishments.

Vendors included Agripas, ALENbi, The Boozery, Chocolatte, Crust Baker, Eber’s Liquor and Wine, Empire Grill, Ess & Bentch, Gombo’s Bakery, Gruit, Hal’s New York Seltzer, Koshertown Bakery, Mama Kitchen, MEAT (Basil Hospitality Group), Mendy’s @ the JCM, Mermelstein’s, Phomen on Troy, Prime Avenue, Sushi Spot, Sweet Expressions, Table One Catering and Wine By The Case.

The event concluded with three favorites being chosen as winners, 2 by a panel of judges and 1 by popular vote.

“Every vendor was worthy of an award this year, as they all did an incredible job, making the judges’ choice very difficult,” Shmuly Wolff and JJ Hecht, organizers of the food crawl, said.

Eventually, the judges chose Crust Baker, a new bakery specializing in naturally-leavened (sourdough) breads, for the Chef’s Choice Award.

Crust Baker, located at 1149 Nostrand Avenue, is owned by Crown Heights resident Levi Chadad. The bakery is open Fridays 9:30 am – 2:00 pm (more hours to be announced soon), and he offers wholesale and special orders during the week.

Second place went to Agripas, a new eatery opening soon by restauranteur Yuda Schlass of Alenbi fame, which will feature Israeli street food cuisine. The People’s Choice went to The Boozery.

Wolff, who developed the JMenu App which allows you to conveniently order kosher food from a local eatery, organized this unique event together with Rabbi JJ Hecht of Toys For Hospitalized Children. The event was generously sponsored by COLlive.com, The View Optique, and Hal’s New York Seltzer.